The Woodlands Real Estate Experts

The Accompanied Showing ~ No Thank You!

The Accompanied Showing ~ No Thank You!

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We have all been there as agents right? The Seller wants us to be present at each and every showing. Is this really feasible and the other question, is this a strategy that is conducive to a potential sale? My short answer is no on both accounts.

Of course there are unusual situations at times where the home truly does require special instructions or has complicated security systems, gates, etc. Other times, especially in a specific home that is laden with high-end equipment or collections, the Seller might truly feel better with their agent present. These cases are rare and of course are discussed and addressed at the listing appointment.

The problem with the requirement of the listing agent at every showing does have some legitimate issues:

Requiring another agent to be present at every showing creates another layer of scheduling. As we know in this industry, scheduling can already be tricky. Juggling one agent's showing request with the client's, plus adding in yet another agent's schedule typically results in NO showing at all. The more difficult it is to schedule a showing, the more likely the home just won't make the list.
Another problem lies in allowing the potential buyers the privacy to see the home without the listing agent right there. This is uncomfortable for our clients and in these cases, the buyers look quickly and don't spend as much time in the home.
Listing agents interjecting information regarding objections to the home don't know the buyer's like the buyer's agent does. Therefore, these bits of information are typically not welcomed.
There is also the case of privacy. The listing agent does not represent the buyer's client. They should not be privy to conversations between the buyers and their agent.
The Supra keyboxes may only be accessed by licensed individuals. These high-tech devices send a message to the listing agent when someone opens them and lets them know the time and who the agent is. This should provide a seller with a layer of comfort that not just anyone is accessing their home.

So how do you handle this request with a seller? Simply discuss some of the issues listed above. Logistically, it just dosn't make sense. It isn't that listing agents are lazy in any way regarding an accompanied showing, it really, really can result in fewer showings.

In most cities, getting from point A to point B always has challenges. Put showing 6-8 homes in the mix with traffic, weather, unexpected showing surprises such as that cat that escapes, etc. are just a few of the challenges we face each day as we show property. The goal is to attract as many buyer as possible to get inside of the home to see it.

Aside from having the property properly priced, a home that is easy to show with fewer complications is one of the best ways to get it sold. There will always be those exceptions. For the majority of homes, the request of an accompanied showing will most always slow the entire process down.

Are you ready to put your home on the market? Let's talk! The reality of listing, marketing, and showing your home are multi-faceted. Let us tour your home today and discuss how we might be of service to you.